America sits on the edge of our seat eagerly awaiting for presidential election results. By the time you read this, there may be a decision. Or not.
Who is it? Who is our leader? We don’t know.
Chaos
One of the causes of chaos is this: nobody is in control. Teenagers get in trouble at rowdy parties because nobody is in control. Riots erupt because protestors don’t see anyone in control.
It can seem like chaos on the streets of our land, in government activities like elections, and even inside our own homes. This drives anxiety, fear and division as our imperfect minds spin our own versions of the truth.
This, then, makes the chaos feel much worse than it really is.
Control
There is such a thing as managed chaos, however. Go eat Thanksgiving dinner at a home where 14 people are crammed into a small kitchen. Or try to relax at a neighborhood swimming pool swarming with screaming kids during the summer.
It sounds like chaos, but there is managed control of each situation.
Jesus once promised, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me … And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18,20).
Authority. Always. The wildfires are not out of his control. The election is not forcing him off his supreme throne. The undiagnosed health concern does not confuse him. Your sinful habits and hangups don’t scare him away.
Jesus operates the controls on all of these. With his mercy and might, for your good. You won’t always see that or understand it, but you can believe it.
Conversation
Uncertainty is fertile soil for speculation. Who is going to win? What is the best solution to COVID? When should we start decorating for Christmas? Opinions abound. Listen to them. Consider them.
But better than speculation is truth. So turn your conversations today from speculation to truth. Tell others that there is someone in charge, who is always in charge. Jesus Christ.
That’s the truth. Undeniable. Unchangeable. The only question is, will we accept the ultimate authority of Jesus or want that position for ourselves?
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, chaos is everywhere until we trust in your authority over all things. Look on us with mercy. Use your mighty power with the perfect wisdom that only you possess. And bless our nation with peace, unity and compassion for all. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Slow down, use the PRAY acronym.
- Praise (tell Jesus what you appreciate about his control)
- Repent (tell Jesus about your sins, trust in his promises of forgiveness)
- Ask (go ahead, think big, or focus on a small detail, Jesus wants to hear it all)
- Yield (talk to Jesus about the next step after you say “Amen,” how you want faith to lead the way, how you are willing to be part of his answer and see it develop for your good)